People with young-onset Parkinson’s disease (YOPD), a term for those diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD) under the age of 60, face unique challenges compared to those diagnosed with PD later in life. A better understanding of the lived experience of those with YOPD is essential to delivering bespoke rehabilitation and improving quality of life.

The Disability Rights Section (DRS) works to achieve equal opportunity for people with disabilities in the United States by implementing the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and coordinating with federal agencies on the consistent implementation of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (Section 504). The Section also enforces the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 (GINA). The Section's enforcement, regulatory, coordination, and technical assistance activities, along with an innovative mediation program, provide a multi-faceted and dynamic approach for carrying out this mission.

Advancing respect for the human rights and fundamental freedoms of persons with disabilities is a key U.S. foreign policy priority. The United States does this through promoting policy, programming, and public messaging that are tailored to, and designed in consultation with, persons with disabilities.

The United States Government, through its Agency for International Development (USAID), launched a two-day event on December 17, 2024, celebrating the leadership of persons with disabilities in Ethiopia. The event, “Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future,” marked the International Day of Persons with Disabilities and highlighted the achievements of USAID’s Promoting Rights and Inclusion for Disability Empowerment (PRIDE) Activity...

Recent investigations by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) have resulted in fines and settlements against two major airlines. In October 2024, DOT fined American Airlines $50 million due to “cases of unsafe physical assistance that at times resulted in injuries and undignified treatment of wheelchair users” between 2019 and 2023. Passengers reported that they were handled in a rough manner and their wheelchairs were damaged beyond repair. Of the $50 million penalty, $25 million will go to the U.S. Treasury, and the remaining $25 million will be credited back to American Airlines to invest in equipment and systems upgrades that reduce wheelchair damage and delays, and to compensate those customers who were mistreated.

This year, as we recognize the 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), CDC celebrates the significant advances the public health community has made to reduce health disparities and improve inclusion for the disability community. However, there is still much work to do to ensure people with disabilities can access the same health care as people without disabilities and achieve positive health outcomes.

On March 21, 2024, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) revealed that it’s now providing disability compensation benefits to an unprecedented number of female Veterans. Currently, 702,557 women Veterans benefit from these services, marking a 26% increase from five years prior. These women, on average, possess a 68% combined disability rating and receive approximately $26,809 annually in compensation. Notably, 89.2% of female Veterans who apply for these benefits are successful, reflecting the VA’s commitment to this rapidly growing group within its care.

Navigating the world of accessible vans can be both a gateway to freedom and a source of frustration for individuals with mobility challenges and their families. Accessible vans are not merely vehicles; they are lifelines that facilitate independence, community involvement, and the joy of exploration.

The new rule will require airlines to meet standards for “safe and dignified” assistance to people with disabilities, especially those who use wheelchairs. It also mandates annual training, including hands-on training for employees and contractors who physically assist passengers and handle wheelchairs. That training must be received by June 17, 2026.